Montana's two buffalo fishes are both found east of the Divide. They are both large, heavy, deep-bodied fishes with long dorsal fins. They prefer reservoirs and larger rivers. In past years there has been a small commercial fishery for them in Fort Peck Reservoir. The smallmouth buffalo is the smaller of the two. They are generally bottom feeders and are reportedly good to eat, but bony.

Diagnostic Characteristics

Bronze to slate or olive on back and sides, often with a bluish cast; lighter below. Fins dark. Top of upper lip is well below margin of eye.

Citation for data on this website:Smallmouth Buffalo — Ictiobus bubalus. Montana Field Guide. Montana Natural Heritage Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Retrieved on February 22, 2019, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=AFCJC07010